Published: October 2025 — Information valid at time of publication.
A UK executor came to us mid-process: the Probate Registry had paused their application with a one-liner—
“Please provide an affidavit explaining the relevant Spanish succession law.”
Classic cross-border snag. The deceased had ties to Spain, so the Registry needed clarity on which rules applied and what the executor could actually do with Spanish assets.
Snapshot
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Problem: UK Probate Registry requested a Spanish-law affidavit.
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Our work: Fact review (domicile, wills, assets) → expert affidavit under EU Succession Regulation 650/2012 covering legítimas (forced heirship) and executor powers → notarisation + apostille.
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Outcome: Affidavit accepted; Grant of Probate issued without further queries.
How we solved it
1) Pin down the law that governs
We verified domicile/habitual residence, checked for UK and/or Spanish wills, and listed Spanish assets. With that, we confirmed the applicable law under Reg. 650/2012 and whether Spain’s forced-heirship rules affected the distribution.
2) Draft a clear, court-ready affidavit
We produced an English-language expert affidavit that:
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Summarises the relevant provisions of Spanish succession law.
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Explains who the heirs are under that law.
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Sets out executor/administrator powers over Spanish property.
It was sworn before a notary and apostilled for UK use.
3) File, accept, move on
The executor filed the affidavit with the application. The Registry accepted it without follow-up, and the Grant issued—letting the estate move forward.
Why this matters
Cross-border estates don’t have to stall. A precise, credible Spanish-law affidavit translates the legal systems, reduces Registry back-and-forth, and protects timelines.
What we deliver
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Expert affidavit under Reg. 650/2012 tailored to your facts.
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Practical analysis of legítimas and any elective choices of law.
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Clear mapping of executor powers for Spanish assets.
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Notarisation and apostille arranged end-to-end.
FAQ
Will the UK Probate Registry accept it?
Yes—when drafted by a qualified Spanish-law expert, in English, properly notarised (and apostilled if sworn abroad).
How long does it take?
Typically a few days to two weeks once we have everything.
What documents do you need from me?
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Copies of all wills (UK/Spain)
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Evidence of domicile/habitual residence
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Family details and marital property regime
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List of Spanish assets (with basic title info)
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The exact wording of the Registry’s request
Stuck on a “Spanish law affidavit” request?
We prepare Spanish-law affidavits for probate applications across England & Wales and Spain—clear, compliant, and designed for swift acceptance.
Contact us
Service areas: Spain · England & Wales
Author: María de Castro, Abogado (Spain)
